GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  —  Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas (search) pledged Sunday to do all he can to stop rocket and mortar attacks by Palestinian militants against Israeli settlements in Gaza and towns just outside.

Speaking at his Gaza City office, Abbas said, "We are determined to stop the launching of the homemade rockets, whatever the price. We are going to do our utmost to stop these rockets. I cannot promise how much time it will take me."

Militants have fired more than 100 rockets and mortars in the last four days, part of an escalation in violence that has endangered a 5-month-old truce.